repaired · 2023 Q1
Supply: reservoir/tank
Risk. An insufficient air reservoir volume may reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of crash.
2009 Freightliner M2Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2009 Freightliner M2, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 15 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-220 the manufacturer reports only 12% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 27, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Freightliner M2 has problems
3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system
1Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
1Tires1 crash/fire/injury
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
15 recalls
2009 Freightliner M2 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If engine oil comes into contact with a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Brake lights: switch
Risk. If the primary brake air system fails causing the truck to rely on the secondary brake air system, the brakes lights may not illuminate when the brakes are…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. The sensor malfunction could induce elevated exhaust temperatures or flames from the exhaust pipe, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire or burn injury to a…
Show 11 more recalls
no report yet
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Risk. IF THE DRIVER IS SLOW TO REACT DURING THIS ESC INTERVENTION, THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. THE AIR HOSES ROUTED VERY CLOSE TO THE TURBO OUTLET CAN CAUSE THE LINES TO BLISTER, THEN MELT AND DEVELOP AIR LEAKS THAT MAY LEAD TO BRAKE LOCK UP INCREASING…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. A SHORT CIRCUITED GRID HEATER COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. IF A DIESEL FUEL LEAK CONTINUES UNDETECTED, FUEL MAY SPILL ONTO THE ROADWAY POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
no report yet
Fuel system, other
Risk. FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE ROADWAY MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. THIS CONDITION WILL PERMIT HOT EXHAUST GASES TO EXIT THE VEHICLE TAILPIPE, INCREASING THE RISK OF MELTING OR BURNING OF NEARBY SURFACES, OR A FIRE.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Supply: quick release valve
Risk. MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BRAKE SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Freightliner.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other M2 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M2 median. How we score
'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Freightliner M2, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Brake Reservoir Bracket FractureLed to recall 12V-405
In owners' words
What M2 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ECM ENGINE CONTROL MODULE MALFUNCTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS. THE M2 COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT MODERATE SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY THE NO. 2 LANE. THE DRIVER MADE EVERY EFFORT TO REACH THE SHOULDER AS THE M2 ROLLED DEAD.
Own a 2009 M2?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.